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Liam Neeson's kiss of Viola Davis proves 'he's not a racist,' Michelle Rodriguez says

"Widows" co-star defends actor who is embroiled in controversy over racially charged comments.
Image: Michelle Rodriguez attends the Ralph and Russo fashion show in Paris on July 3, 2017.
Michelle Rodriguez attends the Ralph and Russo fashion show in Paris on July 3, 2017.Edward Berthelot / GC Images file

LOS ANGELES — Michelle Rodriguez attested she thinks that her "Widows" co-star Liam Neeson is not a racist because of how he kissed Viola Davis during the movie.

The actress came to Neeson's defense Wednesday night at the amfAR gala in the wake of his racially charged comments that he wanted to kill a "black bastard" to avenge a friend who had been raped. The actor has apologized, contending that his comments were taken out of context.

"It's all f--in' bulls--. Liam Neeson is not a racist," Rodriguez told Vanity Fair at the New York event. "Dude, have you watched 'Widows'? His tongue was so far down Viola Davis' throat. You can't call him a racist ever. Racists don't make out with the race that they hate, especially in the way he does with his tongue — so deep down her throat. I don't care how good of an actor you are. It's all bulls--. Ignore it. He's not a racist. He's a loving man. It's all lies."

Davis and Rodriguez co-star in "Widows," a thriller that sees the women attempt a heist in order to pay back a crime boss after their criminal husbands are killed. Neeson played the husband of Davis' character.

Lionsgate scrubbed Tuesday night's red carpet for the New York City premiere of Neeson's upcoming film "Cold Pursuit" in the wake of the controversy.

The film opens Friday with Neeson portraying a Colorado snowplow driver seeking revenge when his son is murdered.

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